Where: Burlington House, Piccadilly, W1

What: Founded by King George III in 1768, the royal academy's first president was Sir Joshua Reynolds. Renowned for its excellent roster of loan exhibitions, it also has a large and ever changing permanent exhibition.

It is probably best known for its famous 'summer exhibition', a hugely popular show of contemporary art held every year since 1769. This annual exhibition displays works by living artists. It receives around 12,000 submissions each year, with only 10% of these making it onto a gallery wall. It is open in the main galleries from early June - mid August (for a period of 12 weeks - click on the website for exact dates).

Nearest station: Piccadilly Circus or Green Park

Gallery opening times: daily 10:00 - 18:00 and until 10:00 on Fridays. Last admission 30 minutes before closing.

Admission: (2005) admission is free to the permanent collection. Varying charges apply to exhibitions (e.g. the full price ticket price for the summer exhibition is £7.00)

Website: royalacademy.org.uk